Video communication system and method for using same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a video communication system including a kiosk for recording video messages created by a user and a database for storing and providing access to the video messages. The kiosk includes a user interface for receiving user information such as name, address, email, and other identifying information. The kiosk further includes a message-recording device for recording a user video message. The video message and user message data are uploaded to a database. The database reconnects with the user through the user information to allow the user to access the video message. In an embodiment, the database sends an email web link to the user. The user may view the video message by opening the email web link and viewing the video message on an internet website.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/205,140, entitled “Video Communication System and Method ForUsing Same,” filed on Jan. 15, 2009, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a system and method forrecording, transmitting, and accessing video communications.

Patrons at entertainment venues, sporting events, tourist attractions,and other leisure and business events often enjoy capturing visualmemories of the event to share with friends and family. One way to sharememories and messages from an event is by purchasing a post card,photograph or picture. Postcards, however, are limited to the picturesthat are available for purchase and do not always convey the desiredmessage. Furthermore, postcards are tedious because a user must prepareand mail them to each and every individual recipient.

In recent years, various electronic devices have been developed toimprove the ways in which visual memories can be captured and shared.Devices such as digital cameras and video cameras allow users to captureand store high quality photos and video. However, these devices areoften limited in their capacity to share and transfer the recordedpictures and video. Specifically, the picture and video files must beremoved from the device and transferred to a computer or other mediumbefore being shared with others. Additionally, the user is required tocarry the digital camera or video camera with them at the given event.

More recently, other devices and technologies have been developed toimprove the sharing of video files. Many cell phones, PDAs, and otherelectronic devices provide a convenient and direct way of communicatinga photo or video message to an individual. For example, many cell phonesare equipped with digital cameras for recording photos or videos.Additionally, many phones allow an electronic photo or video file to besent to another cell phone via a text or an email or uploaded directlyto the Internet. However, picture and sound quality on most mobiledevices is limited due to the size of the electronic media files, andgeneral cost constraints. Furthermore, sharing and accessibility of thevideo or photo is limited in many cases to other cell phones and mobiledevices.

SUMMARY

A video communication system is provided. The video communication systemincludes a kiosk for recording video messages created by a user and adatabase for storing and providing access to the video messages. Thekiosk includes a user interface for receiving user information such asname, address, email, and other identifying information. The kioskfurther includes a message-recording device for recording a user videomessage. The video message and user information are uploaded to adatabase. The database associates the video message with the userinformation. The video message may be accessed via a website byinputting user information.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention maybe better understood by reference to the following detailed descriptiontaken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a global video communicationsystem.

FIG. 2 illustrates a kiosk for recording a video communication.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a kiosk for recording avideo communication

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method for capturing, storing andretrieving a video communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for recording,storing, and retrieving video communications.

With reference to FIG. 1, the video communication system 10 includes aplurality of kiosks 12 in communication with a database 14. As describedbelow in further detail, each kiosk 12 is configured to receive andstore video communications and corresponding message data. The kiosk 12is further configured to communicate with the database 14. For example,the kiosk may upload video communications to the database 14 and receiveinstructions or messages from the database 14. It is understood thatvideo communications may include audio files, video files, text files,other type of electronic media files, or any combination thereof. Thedatabase 14 may receive video communications and corresponding messagedata from the kiosk 12 and store the video communications based on thecorresponding message data.

Message data may include information related to the user creating thevideo communication, the place where the video communication is created,the time when the video communication is created, or any other data thatidentifies the video communication or user creating the video. Forexample, information related to the user creating the videocommunication may include the user's name, a user-created username, theuser's address, telephone number, email address, or other personalinformation. Likewise, information related to the place where the videocommunication was created may include the address or name of the venuewhere the video communication was created, the name of the event takingplace at the venue when the video communication was created, or othersimilar identifying information.

The database 14 may allow stored video communications to be remotelyaccessed. For example, video communications stored on the database 14may be accessible through a website 16. In an embodiment, a user 17 mayretrieve a stored video communication from the database 14 by inputtinga portion of the message data related to the desired video communicationinto the website 16. For example, the user may input message data suchas a username or password associated with the video communication. Thewebsite 16 transmits the message data to the database 14. If the desiredvideo communication and input message data match, the user may beallowed to access the video communication. The website 16 may permit theuser to stream the video communication, download the videocommunication, or access the video communication by any other meansknown in the art.

The website 16 may be a social networking website. For example, thewebsite 16 may allow users to create a user account based on userinformation. Users may create a user account while logged into thewebsite or alternatively while using the kiosk 12 by inputting userinformation into the kiosk 12. In an embodiment, the kiosk 12 mayautomatically create a user account on the website 16 based on messagedata input by the user. Video communications created by a user at akiosk 12 may be associated with the user's account on the website. Userson the website may connect with other users on the website to allowthird party website users to access video communications.

The database 14 may send information related to the video communicationand message data to a user. For example, the database 14 may send anemail containing a web link to the website 16 to the email addressprovided by a user. By activating the web link, a user may stream,download, or otherwise access the video communication. The database 14may also send a text message or email web link to a cell phone, allowingthe cell phone user to access the video communication. The database 14may also send the user information related to the venue or event wherethe video communication was created. For example, the database may sendmail or email advertisements to the user related to other events takingplace at the venue where the video communication was created.Additionally, the database 14 may send advertisements to the userrelated to events at other venues, similar to the event where the videocommunication was created.

The video communication system 10 may allow persons other than the videocommunication creator to access the video communication via the website16. For example, the video communication creator may input identifyinginformation of other persons, such as email addresses, as part of themessage data. Persons identified by the video communication creator willreceive an email containing a web link to the website 16. By activatingthe web link, users 17 may access the website 16 where they may stream,download, or otherwise access the video communication. Additionally, thevideo communication creator may add persons to receive an email web linkthrough the website 16. The website 16 and database 14 may limit accessto the video communication based on a specified number of users 17, apredetermined length of time, or any other similar parameter.

The kiosk 12 and database 14 are configured to communicate via a remotenetwork. For example, the kiosk 12 may communicate with the database 14via the Internet, through a satellite connection, over a telephone line,via a cloud network, or by any other remote manner of communicationknown in the art. In an embodiment, the kiosk 12 includes acommunication connection such as an Ethernet port, Wireless Large AreaNetwork (WLAN) connection, WIFI or wireless connection, or other knownwired or wireless communication means to communicate with the database14.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a kiosk 12. As shown, the kiosk 12may be a free standing unit, housing various components for recording,storing and communicating a video communication. It will be appreciated,however, that a kiosk 12 may be any unit, freestanding or supported,that houses the components described herein. The kiosk 12 includes amessage-recording device 20. The message-recording device 20 may includea visual recording component such as a camera, video camera, or webcamera. In an embodiment, a camera is connected to an adjustableapparatus (not shown). The adjustable apparatus allows the user tochange the height and angle of the camera in order to record at adesired position. The visual recording component may further beconfigured to record a portion of the venue where the kiosk 12 islocated. For example, a kiosk 12 located at a baseball park may includea camera positioned to record a user such that the baseball field orother recognizable landmark is seen in the background. In oneembodiment, the visual recording component may be positioned to recordthe user in front of a blank screen or green screen. The user may thenselect a background to be inserted into the video communication from alist of optional backgrounds.

The message-recording device 20 may further include a sound-recordingcomponent such as a microphone or other sound-receiving device. Thesound-recording component may be integrated with or separate from thevisual recording component. The message-recording device 20 may alsoinclude a keyboard 22, graphical user interface 31 such as a touchscreen monitor, or other known components for receiving text from auser. The graphical user interface 31 may further be used as a seconddisplay to provide information to the user.

In an embodiment, the message-recording device 20 includes a digitalvideo camera, a microphone, and a keyboard. The user may record a videocommunication of a specified length into the video camera. The user mayfurther type a text or caption on the keyboard to be displayed on thevideo communication. The kiosk 12 may include a display 24 to allow theuser to watch or review the video communication during or after it isrecorded.

The kiosk 12 may include a memory component for storing videocommunications and message data. Message data input by the user mayfurther be stored on the memory component and associated with thecorresponding video communication created by the user. The kiosk 12 mayperiodically upload the video communications and message data from thememory component to the database 14 via the remote network connection.The kiosk 12 may be configured to upload the video communications andmessage data based on the number of video communications stored on thememory component, set time intervals, or any other parameter or set ofparameters.

The kiosk 12 further includes an input device for inputting messagedata. The input device may include a keyboard 22, mouse, touch screenmonitor, microphone, scanner, USB port, voice recognition, or any othermeans for inputting data. In one embodiment, the kiosk 12 may include adevice for recognizing a user based on an identifier. For example, thekiosk 12 may include a card reader for recognizing and reading a usercard. The user card may store user data, allowing a repeat user to inputmessage data by inserting the user card into the card reader.Additionally, the kiosk 12 may recognize a user based on any uniqueidentifier, including but not limited to a user's fingerprint, retinalscan, electronic device identification, or any other biometricparameter.

The kiosk may further include a display 24 or speaker for prompting theuser to input data or communicating with the user in response to entereddata. In an embodiment, the kiosk 12 includes a display 24, and akeyboard 22 or other input device, such as a touch screen. The display24 may prompt the user to enter specific user information such as name,address, telephone number, email address, or other personal information.The user may enter the information using the keyboard 22 or other inputdevice. The information may be stored on the memory component as messagedata, and associated with the corresponding video communication createdby the user. When a user is not interacting with the kiosk 12, themonitor may display an advertisement loop or other promotion materialrelated to the venue or the features of the video communication system10. Advertising and promotional material displayed by the kiosk 12 maybe changed at the kiosk 12 or remotely changed by the database at anytime.

The kiosk 12 includes a currency receiver 26. The currency receiver mayinclude a bill acceptor, credit card reader, or any other manner foraccepting payment known in the art. The kiosk 12 may also providealternative payment means. For example, the kiosk 12 may allow a user topay through PayPal, EBT, billing to a cellular phone, or otheralternative forms of payment. The display 24 may prompt a user to enterpayment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the kiosk 12 may be a stand-alone unit.With reference to FIG. 2, the components of the kiosk 12 may becontained within a body 28. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, thecomponents of the kiosk 12 may be connected to a leg assembly 30. Itwill be understood, however, that the kiosk 12 may be supported in anymanner. For example, the kiosk 12 may be mounted or secured to a wall,post, or other stable portion of the venue. In addition, the kiosk 12may be portable such as installed in a vehicle, or configured as amobile unit.

With reference to FIG. 4, the kiosk 12 may display an advertisement orpromotion 34 on the display 24 while there is no user is interactingwith the kiosk 12. Once a user interacts with the kiosk 12, the videocommunication system 10 may prompt the user to enter a specified payment36 before recording a video communication. The kiosk 12 may verifypayment by verifying credit card information via the remote network orverifying that proper bills have been inserted into the currencyreceiver 26. In an embodiment, the kiosk 12 may allow a user to record avideo communication without paying, allowing the user to record a videocommunication at no charge. The kiosk 12 may prompt the user to enteruser information 38. As previously described, user information mayinclude name, address, telephone number, email address, or otherpersonal information. The user information may be stored on the memorycomponent 40 and associated with the video communication to be createdby the user. The user may then record a video communication 42 using themessage-recording device 20. In an alternative embodiment, the user mayrecord the video communication before entering user information. It willbe appreciated, however, that the steps described herein may becompleted in any order and are not limited to the order illustrated inFIG. 4.

The kiosk 12 may also be oriented to include two or more stations forthe user to complete the tasks of payment, video recording and userinformation input (not shown). For example, the kiosk may include twostations that are opposite from each other. The first station includesthe features that allow a user to make a payment and record a video. Thesecond station includes the features that allow the user to input userinformation. Alternatively, the two stations can be configured in anymanner to allow for payment, recording, and inputting user information.It is also contemplated that the kiosk can include three or morestations to complete payment, recording, and user input on separatestations. The multiple stations may be connected to a single database 14or may be connected to multiple databases 14.

The kiosk 12 stores the video communication on the memory component 44,associated with the corresponding message data. The kiosk 12 uploads thevideo communications and message data 46 to the database 14, via theremote network. Video communications may be uploaded to the database 14automatically upon completion of the video communication recording.Alternatively, the video communications may be uploaded to the database14 at a predetermined time interval, or when a predetermined amount ofmemory space has been used. However, it is understood that videocommunications and message data may be uploaded to the database 14 basedon any predetermined parameter or set of parameters. The database 14sends a communication to the user 48 to allow the user to access thevideo communication. For example, the database 14 may send an email tothe user containing a direct link to access the video communication.Additionally, the database may grant access to the video communicationsby sending a web link via email that allows the video communication tobe streamed to a computer, viewed on a cell phone, downloaded, orotherwise accessed.

The invention has been described with reference to the embodiments.Obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon areading and understanding of this specification. The claims as followsare intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the claim or an equivalent thereof.

We claim:
 1. A video communication system comprising: a portable kioskcomprising: a camera configured to record a video communication; anetwork connection capable of communicating with a network; and agraphical user interface for inputting identification data related to auser; wherein said camera, network connection and graphical userinterface are integrated within said portable kiosk; a databaseconnected to said network, said database configured to receive saidvideo communication and said identification data from said kiosk andassociate said video communication with said identification data; aremote access point configured to access said video communication fromsaid database by way of a website; wherein said user inputs saididentification data into said website to communicate with said database,and further wherein said database matches said identification data fromsaid website with said identification data associated with said videocommunication to allow said user access to said video communication. 2.The system of claim 1 wherein said kiosk includes a user identificationdevice.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said kiosk includes a soundrecording device.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said network is aremote network.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said website accessessaid video communication via streaming video.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein said identification data includes a username.
 7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said kiosk contains a memory component for storing saidvideo communication and said identification data.
 8. The system of claim7 wherein said kiosk uploads said video communications and saididentification data to said database based on a predetermined parameter.9. The system of claim 8 wherein said predetermined parameter includes apreset time interval.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said kioskincludes a display.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein said kioskincludes a speaker.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein said kiosk isconfigured to receive payment from a user.
 13. The system of claim 1wherein said database is configured to send a web link to an account toaccess said video communication.
 14. A method of communicating videomessages comprising the steps of: inputting identification data relatedto a user into an input device on a portable kiosk having a camera,network connection and graphical user interface integrated therein;recording a video on said kiosk; storing said video and said useridentification data on said kiosk; uploading said video and said useridentification data to a database from said kiosk via a network;retrieving said video from said database via a remote access point byway of a website comprising the steps of: inputting identification datarelated to said user into said website; matching said identificationdata entered into said website with said identification data associatedwith said video; allowing said user access to said video.
 15. The methodof claim 14 wherein allowing access to said video includes streamingsaid video to said website.
 16. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising storing said video and said identification data in a memorycomponent in said kiosk.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprisinguploading said video and said identification data from said memorycomponent in said kiosk to said database based on a predeterminedparameter.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein said input device is agraphical user interface.
 19. The method of claim 14 wherein said kioskincludes a display.
 20. The method of claim 14 further comprisingsending a web link from said database to an account; accessing saidvideo from said web link.